The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NBA insiders continue to speculate about whether Chavano “Buddy” Hield will be on the move again as a part of another trade before today’s NBA trade deadline.

Hield was included in a six-player trade on Tuesday night that landed him on the roster of the Indiana Pacers, but a guard heavy depth chart led many to believe that Indiana may not be his final destination for the 2022 campaign.

Michael Scotto, of HoopsHype, first reported that the Pacers were open to dealing Hield for future assets as the team continues its rebuilding process.

The Pacers’ depth chart at guard now includes Hield, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyrese Haliburton, Lance Stephenson and rookie Chris Duarte.

Haliburton came over to the Pacers alongside Hield and Tristan Thompson while All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb and Justin Holiday were dealt to Sacramento.

Haliburton, playing in just his second season, is still under his rookie contract and is considered the point guard of the future.

Meanwhile, Brogdon is owed $67.6 million over the next three seasons but cannot be traded until the offseason because of his recently signed extension in October 2021. ESPN’s Zach Lowe later refuted those reports and said that while interest remains high for Hield, the Pacers have no immediate plans to move the veteran sharpshooter.

“As of now — and everything can change in the next 26 hours — the Indiana Pacers do not plan to trade Buddy Hield despite some interest from other teams, sources tell ESPN,” he said.

Jordan Schultz of the Boardroom and Pull Up Podcast added:

“Spoke with three teams who have interest in Buddy Hield. All three said they didn’t think the Pacers wanted to flip him.

“Indiana likes the continuity between Buddy and Tyrese Haliburton.

“Shooting is always a priority for head coach Rick Carlisle.”

Hield is averaging 14.4 points per game and has made 182 three pointers this season despite shooting a career low 37 percent.

He has played in 385 of 388 possible games during his time with the Sacramento Kings. He leaves as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made.

In his rookie season, Hield previously played with Stephenson when both players were members of the New Orleans Pelicans.

“He’s a cool guy. We joked around a lot. He’s very professional,” Stephenson said of Hield. “He brings it every night. He’s a baller.”